Cyriel Dessers' Last-Gasp Heroics: Rangers Striker Seals Dramatic Comeback in Premiership Thriller

Cyriel Dessers marks his 100th Rangers appearance with a stoppage-time winner in a chaotic 4-3 victory over Dundee, showcasing relentless determination despite missed chances.

Dramatic Late Show at Dens Park

Cyriel Dessers cemented his status as Rangers' clutch performer with a 93rd-minute winner against Dundee, capping a seven-goal Scottish Premiership spectacle. The Nigerian international's 23rd goal of the season arrived after 12 attempts - a league-high single-game tally this campaign - epitomizing both his wastefulness and never-say-die attitude.

Rollercoaster Performance Analysis

  • Relentless Work Rate: Dessers registered 9 shots on target but needed 10 attempts to finally beat goalkeeper Trevor Carson
  • Mental Fortitude: Interim manager Barry Ferguson praised the 30-year-old's resilience after multiple squandered opportunities and a VAR-disallowed goal
  • Tactical Impact: The striker's movement created constant danger, dropping deep to link play before arriving late in the box

Manager's Perspective

"The big man's a brilliant worker who just keeps coming," Ferguson told BBC Sport. "Even after missing golden chances, he had the character to score when it mattered most. That's why he's been a joy to coach."

Key Match Statistics

Metric Dessers Match Total
Shots 12 38
On Target 9 15
Goals 1 7
Touches in Box 22 61

Turning Point

The decisive moment came when Dessers:

  1. Read Aaron Donnelly's miscued clearance
  2. Controlled with his chest under pressure
  3. Executed a delicate finish past Carson

This victory keeps Rangers' title hopes alive while leaving Dundee mired in relegation danger after surrendering two separate two-goal leads.

What This Means for Rangers

  • Dessers now has 5 goals in his last 4 Premiership appearances
  • The result maintains pressure on Celtic at the summit
  • Highlights ongoing defensive frailties despite attacking firepower

Watch highlights: Dundee 3-4 Rangers on BBC iPlayer

What to Read Next

Brendan Rodgers Optimistic About Celtic's Transfer Strategy for the 2025 Season
Football

Brendan Rodgers Optimistic About Celtic's Transfer Strategy for the 2025 Season

Brendan Rodgers discusses Celtic's transfer plans, emphasizing the importance of refreshing the squad for a competitive 2025 season.

Rangers Secure Gassama Transfer as Propper Nears Exit: A Summer of Strategic Moves
Football

Rangers Secure Gassama Transfer as Propper Nears Exit: A Summer of Strategic Moves

Rangers finalize the transfer of Djeidi Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday while Robin Propper considers an exit, shaping a dynamic summer for the club.

Celtic Bolsters Defense with Japanese Talent Hayato Inamura
Football

Celtic Bolsters Defense with Japanese Talent Hayato Inamura

Celtic secures Japanese centre-back Hayato Inamura on a four-year deal, enhancing their defensive lineup with promising talent.

Ivan Dolcek: The Fearless Winger Boosts Dundee United's Ambitions
Football

Ivan Dolcek: The Fearless Winger Boosts Dundee United's Ambitions

Ivan Dolcek joins Dundee United on loan, bringing his fearless ball-carrying skills and technical prowess to the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic's Strategic Moves: Kuhn to Como and Nawrocki's Loan to Hannover
Football

Celtic's Strategic Moves: Kuhn to Como and Nawrocki's Loan to Hannover

Celtic's manager Brendan Rodgers discusses the strategic transfers of Nicolas Kuhn to Como and Maik Nawrocki's loan to Hannover, highlighting the club's business model.

Hearts Set to Transfer James Penrice to AEK Athens: A New Chapter in Greek Football
Football

Hearts Set to Transfer James Penrice to AEK Athens: A New Chapter in Greek Football

Hearts' left-back James Penrice is nearing a transfer to AEK Athens, marking a significant move in his football career and a strategic acquisition for the Greek club.

Greg Taylor Joins PAOK After Turning Down Celtic Contract Extension
Football

Greg Taylor Joins PAOK After Turning Down Celtic Contract Extension

Scotland left-back Greg Taylor signs with PAOK after rejecting a new contract with Celtic, marking a new chapter in his football career.

Djeidi Gassama: Rangers' New Star Signing from Sheffield Wednesday
Football

Djeidi Gassama: Rangers' New Star Signing from Sheffield Wednesday

Rangers have secured the signing of promising left-winger Djeidi Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday, adding depth and excitement to their attack.

Greg Taylor Opens Up on Celtic Departure Amid Kieran Tierney Return Speculations
Football

Greg Taylor Opens Up on Celtic Departure Amid Kieran Tierney Return Speculations

Greg Taylor discusses his departure from Celtic, addressing rumors about Kieran Tierney's return and his new journey with PAOK.

Football Hate Crime: Seven Charged Over St Mirren vs Aberdeen Match Incident
Football

Football Hate Crime: Seven Charged Over St Mirren vs Aberdeen Match Incident

Seven individuals face charges for alleged hate crimes during a Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and Aberdeen.

McGlynn's Mastery: Falkirk's Rise to Scottish Premiership Glory
Football

McGlynn's Mastery: Falkirk's Rise to Scottish Premiership Glory

Explore how John McGlynn transformed Falkirk from League One strugglers to Scottish Premiership contenders, emphasizing strategic management and youth development.

Stuart Kettlewell Inspires Kilmarnock to Forge a New Legacy in Scottish Football
Football

Stuart Kettlewell Inspires Kilmarnock to Forge a New Legacy in Scottish Football

Stuart Kettlewell motivates Kilmarnock to build on their rich history and aim for new heights in the Scottish Premiership and cup competitions.

Hibernian Shatters Transfer Record with Signing of Togo Striker Thibault Klidje
Football

Hibernian Shatters Transfer Record with Signing of Togo Striker Thibault Klidje

Hibernian breaks their transfer record to sign Togo international striker Thibault Klidje, enhancing their attacking options with his pace and potential.

Rangers Secure Rising Star Thelo Aasgaard: A New Era Begins at Ibrox
Football

Rangers Secure Rising Star Thelo Aasgaard: A New Era Begins at Ibrox

Rangers have signed Norwegian midfielder Thelo Aasgaard from Luton Town, marking a significant addition to their squad as they aim for Scottish Premiership glory.

Hearts' Legacy: Honoring Ann Budge's Transformative Era
Football

Hearts' Legacy: Honoring Ann Budge's Transformative Era

Explore Ann Budge's pivotal role in transforming Hearts FC, her legacy, and the future under new leadership.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.